Transcript: NewsCenter Podcast

June 24, 2026

Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about the area’s largest solar project, how to retire your U.S. flag and school property usage when school is out for summer. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

After years of remaining empty, some 37 acres of rolling hills at the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton are again serving a purpose. The area’s largest solar project has enabled the county to repurpose, or land recycle, the property and convert it into productive energy infrastructure, expand the local energy supply and help meet growing regional energy demand. The project, the first on a closed landfill in Virginia, also creates a model for future clean energy projects on county property. The solar farm was developed through a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Solid Waste Management Program, Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, the Office of the County Attorney and the Department of Procurement and Material Management and Madison Energy Infrastructure. The 5.0-megawatt solar array is expected to generate 5 percent of all electricity used in county government facilities, or enough energy to power 1,000 homes annually. Developed under a 30-year power purchase agreement, the system is expected to deliver approximately $12 million in savings to the county while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 136,000 metric tons. In addition to savings for the county government, the project also could mean savings for county residents. Developed under the Solar Freedom Act, which focuses on renewable energy, residents and businesses can purchase electricity through renewable sources, such as solar energy. Residents can also invest in solar energy through the county's Going Solar program. NewsCenter has more; visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. 

Did you know the average outdoor flag lasts only about 90 days? The ever-changing weather and the blasting rays of the sun will inevitably result in a worn-out flag. The United States has a set of laws pertaining to disposal known as the United States Flag Code, or “retiring the flag." If you have an American flag like this, you can properly dispose of it at a few county government locations. When you walk into the lobby of the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax), you’ll see a flag disposal box located near the main information desk. The American Legion will collect flags and conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony at its site. Flag disposal boxes are also located at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex and are available during residential hours. The American Legion will collect flags and conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony at its site. And all Fairfax County Police stations accept American flags and they are collected twice a year by Police Honor Guard for proper disposal. You can also bury a flag in the ground in a well-constructed container to keep it protected. In the U.S. Flag Code, it states the cloth should not come in contact with the ground or dirt. Fold it properly and place it in the box. NewsCenter has more information on how to properly dispose of the American flag. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news.

"School's out for summer" as the popular lyrics go. In addition to all possibilities at our parks and other places to enjoy summer, our Fairfax County Public Schools also welcome you. School blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals (not organized groups) without being scheduled. Please keep these tips in mind when using these facilities:

• Use is allowed from dawn to dusk, except during school hours or when being used for school activities or other scheduled programs.
• Facilities must be shared with anyone else who wishes to use them.
• Please leave the facilities as you found them. Remove any waste or debris from the property.

Visit the Fairfax County Public Schools availability webpage for more information on the usage of school grounds and facilities. You can also visit NewsCenter to learn more; visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news.

Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.

That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.